Allen High Basketball Ready to Make Run at District 9 Title

Originally published in the December 2006 issue of the North Texas High School Sports Report http://www.nortexsports.com

Plano may be the dominant program in District 9-5A, having come off of a state title, but that doesn't mean they are an automatic lock to do it again.

"I think there's a nice opportunity for us. I don't think they are as strong as they had been in previous years. I think they are beatable, and we could come out with a win," says senior Darius Bolling, co-captain of the varsity team. If anyone has the personnel to beat Plano, Allen may just be that team. Not only are they stocked with size and speed, they have great shooters in the starting five and on the bench. "Every night, two or three different players step up," says head coach Jeff Higgins. 'Eric Braun at guard is one of our smartest players. He's very versatile and can do anything for us. All of our players bring something. We're very well rounded."

The program has come a long way. Allen has struggled in 5A in recent years, not having made the playoffs since 1999. Higgins, a 1986 graduate of Allen, is in his twelfth year at Allen and his fourth as head basketball coach. "In my first year as coach we went 27-6 and 10-4 in district and we tied for third and lost the coin flip for the playoffs. We have won in 5A, last year was a down year for us, but we haven't gotten over the hump just yet. When you play with the Planos, Lewisvilles, and Richardsons of the area, it's tough." Higgins knows they will have to earn respect in District 9. His coaching style has won his players over. "He's pretty laid back most of the time. Sometimes, he has to yell at us and do the things that coaches do to get you to run plays and win the game," Bolling said.

In addition to Bolling, Kris Moore serves as Allen's other co-captain and shooting guard. "Kris is a very laid back guy," Bolling says of his teammate and friend. "He's a very smart player and a very good ball handler. He can get the job done when you need him to."